THE EFFECTS OF LOAD MASS ON THE KINEMATICS OF STIFF-LEGGED DEADLIFT

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of load mass on the kinematics of lower extremity joint movements during the stiff-legged deadlift (SLD) lift exercise. Five participants performed the SLD at 40%, 60%, and 80% of their estimated 1 repetition maximum. Measurements of the joint angle and angular velocity of the spine, hip, knee, and ankle were analyzed to understand the influence of various load masses in the SLD lifting technique. No statistical significant differences were found in the joint angles and angular velocities of the spine and lower extremity between different loads. Therefore, this study suggests that performing stiff-legged exercise up to 80% is safe to perform as long as the participants are experienced with this lifting technique.